Concerns about child safety have been raised following an incident where a toddler was discovered wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized that if the welfare of children is not prioritized, tragedies are likely to occur.
In response to the incident, two women reported the wandering child to the police, who later sought assistance from the public to identify the toddler’s parents. The youngster was successfully reunited with his family after the police shared information on social media.
Commissioner Chew indicated that the police would thoroughly investigate child neglect cases to determine if any legal action needs to be taken against parents or guardians. He expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents, citing previous cases where children faced tragic outcomes due to negligence, including drowning and other accidents.
Chew urged parents and guardians to be vigilant, highlighting that children are naturally curious and can find themselves in dangerous situations very quickly if not properly supervised.
In a related call to action, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of children and remaining aware of their whereabouts. This appeal followed a separate tragic incident in Navua, where a one-year-old boy lost his life after allegedly being struck by a vehicle while crossing the road unnoticed.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by nuclear families, particularly in urban areas, in securing child care. However, she emphasized that it is crucial to find support systems to prevent neglect, as such incidents can lead to devastating consequences.